Max Fried, a two-time All-Star pitcher, has officially signed an impressive eight-year contract worth $218 million with the New York Yankees, marking the largest guaranteed salary ever for a left-handed pitcher. The deal, which is pending a physical examination, makes it the 12th contract in Yankees history valued at over $100 million, surpassing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most such contracts in Major League Baseball.
Fried, aged 30, has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League during his seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Over the past five years, he has recorded an outstanding 2.81 earned run average (ERA), placing him at the pinnacle of performance among all major league starters, just ahead of notable competitor Corbin Burnes. His style on the mound, characterized more by finesse than sheer velocity, makes him an ideal choice for teams looking for an ace.
The signing comes shortly after outfielder Juan Soto joined the rival Mets on the largest contract in sports history. Fried was highly sought after, with interest from teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers before ultimately landing with the Yankees. His addition strengthens an already formidable Yankees rotation that includes top talents like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon.
Fried’s new contract exceeds the previous high for left-handed pitchers, previously held by David Price, whose deal with the Boston Red Sox was worth $217 million in 2015. Fried’s contract is now the fifth-largest for any pitcher in history, showcasing the Yankees’ commitment to building a competitive roster.
Despite some inconsistency in postseason play, Fried’s career highlights include a stellar performance during the Braves’ 2021 World Series win, where he threw six shutout innings in the decisive Game 6. Initially drafted seventh overall in the 2012 MLB Draft, Fried has evolved into an effective spin-heavy left-hander known for his strong pitch command.
In the 2024 season, Fried achieved a 3.25 ERA over 174⅓ innings, demonstrating his ability to be both productive and prolific, as he led the league with two complete games. With a career-high of 185⅓ innings pitched in 2022, the Yankees are hopeful he can continue to grow and contribute significantly to their championship aspirations.
This exciting development reflects the Yankees’ strategic investment in their pitching staff and sets the stage for what could be a thrilling season ahead. Fried’s talent and tenacity, combined with New York’s strong lineup, could potentially lead to significant successes in the coming years.